LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular procedure designed to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This surgical technique reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to improve how light focuses on the retina. While many people consider LASIK to reduce or eliminate their reliance on glasses or contact lenses, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Determining eligibility for LASIK involves a thorough assessment of various factors, with age being a significant, though not exclusive, consideration.
Minimum Age and Eye Stability for LASIK
The minimum age for LASIK surgery is 18 years old, as established by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This age serves as a general guideline rather than a rigid cutoff. The primary factor in determining candidacy is eye stability, referring to a consistent vision prescription over a specific period. Most eye care professionals recommend a patient’s prescription remain unchanged for at least 12 to 24 months before considering LASIK.
Eye stability means no more than a 0.5 diopter change in prescription over one year, along with consistent astigmatism measurements and stable corneal topography readings. While 18 is the minimum, some clinics prefer patients to be in their early to mid-twenties (21 to 25 years old), as vision is often more consistently stable by then. This extended period ensures the eyes have completed their natural development and the prescription has settled.
Why Age and Eye Stability Matter
Age and eye stability are important due to the physiological development of the eyes. During adolescence and early adulthood, eyes are still growing and maturing, leading to significant and unpredictable changes in refractive error. Myopia (nearsightedness), for instance, commonly progresses until the early twenties. Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, can also influence vision stability.
Performing LASIK on an unstable prescription leads to suboptimal and potentially temporary results. The laser reshapes the cornea based on the current prescription. If the eye continues to change afterward, corrected vision may regress or become blurry again. This may necessitate additional corrective procedures, known as enhancements, which carry risks and costs. The goal of LASIK is long-term vision correction, which relies on a stable baseline prescription for predictable and lasting outcomes.
Other Essential Eligibility Factors
Beyond age and prescription stability, several other factors determine a person’s suitability for LASIK. Overall eye health is important, requiring the absence of certain eye diseases or conditions. Conditions such as glaucoma, vision-affecting cataracts, severe dry eye syndrome, and keratoconus (a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea) disqualify individuals from LASIK. Active eye infections, like conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers, must also be resolved before surgery.
Adequate corneal thickness is another criterion, as LASIK involves removing a small amount of corneal tissue to reshape the eye. If the cornea is too thin, the procedure may compromise the structural integrity of the eye, increasing complication risks. Pupil size can also be a factor; very large pupils may increase the risk of night vision disturbances like glare and halos after surgery.
General health conditions also play a role. Certain systemic diseases, including uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), and conditions that impair healing, may pose risks. While some well-controlled systemic conditions may be acceptable, an ophthalmologist assesses each individual case. Certain medications can also impact healing or eye health, so a patient’s full medication history is reviewed.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are temporary contraindications due to hormonal fluctuations affecting vision and potential medication transfer to the baby. It is advised to wait until vision stabilizes after these periods, usually a few months after breastfeeding ceases and regular menstrual cycles return.